Business Development Specialist-QED Optics
About The Position
The Business Development Specialist will lead QED’s service division for QED Optics, with responsibility for revenue growth, strategic account development, and long‑term customer partnerships. Leveraging deep industry experience and an expert understanding of QED’s precision manufacturing and optical processing capabilities, this individual will identify new business opportunities, drive complex sales cycles, and ensure QED is positioned as a trusted supplier to major defense primes, aerospace contractors, and government‑funded programs. This role requires extensive knowledge of defense and/or aerospace acquisition processes, strong familiarity with optical fabrication technologies, and a proven track record of selling high‑value technical solutions into defense and aerospace organizations.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 6–10+ years of progressive sales or business development experience in precision optics, with significant experience selling into the defense and aerospace sectors.
- Strong knowledge of export compliance, defense procurement processes, DoD program structures, FAR/DFARS fundamentals, and prime contractor acquisition workflows.
- Direct experience with optical fabrication, precision manufacturing, metrology systems, or related high‑technology equipment.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex technical sales cycles and win high‑value programs.
- Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills.
- Highly motivated, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work independently.
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 50%, with periods of higher travel as needed.
Nice To Haves
- MBA preferred but not required.
- Past Personnel Security Clearance (PCL) for defense related sales a plus.
- Familiarity with MRF, SSI, or advanced optical processing techniques is a strong plus.
Responsibilities
- Lead all business development and sales activities within QED Optics primary market segments: defense and aerospace, semiconductor and other precision optics markets. This will include new market development, pipeline ownership, forecasting, and account planning.
- Identify, qualify, and secure new opportunities aligned with QED’s strategic priorities, including DoD programs, aerospace platforms, and government‑funded research initiatives.
- Build and maintain strong, long‑term relationships with key stakeholders at prime contractors, subsystem suppliers, integrators, and relevant government agencies.
- Mentor and lead QED Optics commercial sales team.
- Develop a deep understanding of customer requirements and translate them into actionable sales opportunities.
- At times may be required to directly manage key accounts.
- Prepare and deliver technical presentations, capability briefings, and value‑driven proposals.
- Coordinate closely with engineering teams to develop accurate estimates, feasibility assessments, and compliant responses to RFQs, RFPs, and program solicitations.
- Represent QED at industry conferences, defense‑focused events, trade shows, and customer meetings.
- Guide opportunities from initial engagement through contract award, ensuring alignment with technical, cost, and schedule requirements.
- Coordinate with the marketing team on various campaigns and messaging.
- Maintain high visibility in market trends, competitive activity, and emerging technologies that may influence QED’s commercial strategy.
- Support senior leadership in shaping long‑term business plans, pricing strategy, and go‑to‑market initiatives.
- Perform additional duties as required to support QED’s growth objectives.
Benefits
- discretionary bonus, based on the financial performnace of the company.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
